Start an Apprenticeship Program
A 10-step Process Guide organizes apprenticeship reference materials under (5) steps on the right to register a new program, and (5) steps on the left to monitor an apprenticeship program while it is running.
Tasks and resources under each step of the process guide are divided into three categories:
- REQUIRED: Driven by regulation, don’t proceed without it
- ADMINISTRATIVE: Helpful hints for agencies and coordinators
- RELATED: Other additional related resources
Click on a step for related tasks and resources.
Register an Apprenticeship
1
Explore
Explore apprenticeship as a strategy for developing right skilled workers
Related Tasks and Resources
Required
Tasks
- Review the DOL’s list of apprenticeable occupations, and select an appropriate occupation / trade.
- Complete and submit the New Program Contact Sheet to the DOL Office of Apprenticeship.
Resources
DOL List of Apprenticeable Occupations
New Program Contact Sheet
DOL Office of Apprenticeship Contacts
Related
Tasks
- Explore the benefits and costs associated with apprenticeship, and determine whether or not to move forward.
- Convene potential partners to discuss shared goals and needs.
Resources
DOL Quick Start Toolkit for Registered Apprenticeship
DOL Apprenticeship Information Page for Employers
Info about apprenticeship programs for various industries from DOL
Benefits and Costs of Apprenticeship: A Roadmap for Measurement
Benefits and Costs of Apprenticeship: A Business Perspective
Registered Apprenticeship Planning Tool
50 Commonly Asked Questions
29 Code of Federal Regulations Part 29
2
Partner
Partner with key players to develop an effective apprenticeship program
Related Tasks and Resources
Required
Tasks
- Contact your local DOL Office of Apprenticeship and begin a dialogue with the Apprentice Training Representative (ATR).
Resources
Contact list for DOL state apprenticeship offices
Administration
Tasks
- Facilitate convening of appropriate program stakeholders.
- Develop partnerships with other employers developing similar talent.
- Engage Michigan Works! staff and discuss and pursue braided funding opportunities.
Resources
Searchable database of all DOL registered apprenticeship sponsors (employers)
Contact list of Michigan Works! Apprenticeship Success Coordinators
Workforce GPS: Funding Resources for Registered Apprenticeship Programs
MI-AIM Michigan apprenticeship funding and resource guide
Related
Tasks
- Learn from national best practices in registered apprenticeship programs.
- Explore various program structures and features to determine what works for your program.
Resources
Testimonials from DOL ApprenticeshipUSA LEADERs
Registered Apprenticeship College Consortium (RACC) Info Page
3
Build
Build core apprenticeship program components
Related Tasks and Resources
Required
Tasks
- Contact DOL OA ATR to schedule a site visit, and to request Work Process and RTI samples.
- Work with the employer to draft, review, and approve the Work Process.
- Select training and education provider(s) to deliver the program’s RTI.
- Work with selected RTI provider(s) to define the formal RTI requirements.
- Work with the employer to define and finalize the apprenticeship wage scale.
- Achieve formal RTI definition on company letterhead.
- Submit Formal RTI and Work Process to OA-ATR.
Resources
Boilerplate DOL registered apprenticeship standards
Contacts for US DOL Apprenticeship and Training Representatives (ATRs)
AIIA National Occupational Frameworks (NOFs)
AMCAI college apprenticeship contacts (potential RTI providers)
AiD TEMPLATE – Apprenticeship Standards
AiD “HOW TO” – Apprenticeship Standards
AiD “HOW TO” – Appendix A: Work Process Schedule
AiD WORD TEMPLATE – Apprenticeship Standards
Administration
Tasks
- Assist in component development.
- Leverage available resources to expedite program development.
Resources
Related
Tasks
- Work with Michigan Works! staff to select braided funding opportunities.
Resources
Michigan Works! Apprenticeship Success Coordinator contacts
4
Register
Register your program to join ApprenticeshipUSA network
Related Tasks and Resources
Required
Tasks
- Review, finalize, and sign program Standards.
- Submit the completed Standards to the DOL ATR for review, and incorporate subsequent feedback.
- Achieve DOL approval.
Resources
DOL Standards of Apprenticeship Checklist
Launch 